Hellas Verona 1-0 AC Dolomiti Bellunesi | International Club Friendly

Hellas Verona edged past lower-league side AC Dolomiti Bellunesi with a narrow 1-0 victory in a closely contested pre-season friendly on 25 July 2026. Played at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi, the Serie A side controlled much of the possession but found their opponents stubborn and well-drilled throughout the 90 minutes.

Match Overview

Verona, keen to build match fitness ahead of the 2026-27 Serie A campaign, dominated the early exchanges. They created several half-chances but were frustrated by a disciplined defensive block from AC Dolomiti Bellunesi, who compete in Italy’s Serie D. The breakthrough finally came in the 55th minute when striker Lorenzo Montipò latched onto a through ball and slotted past the onrushing keeper.

Despite the goal, Bellunesi did not wilt. They pushed forward in the final quarter of an hour, forcing Verona goalkeeper Mattia Perilli into two solid saves to preserve the clean sheet. The home side were happy to see out the game, managing the tempo well in the closing stages.

Key Moments

• 25' – Verona’s best first-half chance: a header from a corner is tipped over the bar.
• 55' – Montipò scores the winner with a clinical finish after a defensive slip.
• 72' – Bellunesi’s best opportunity: a low shot from outside the box is saved by Perilli.
• 88' – Verona substitute hits the post from a tight angle, nearly adding a second.

Tactical Story

Hellas Verona operated in a 3-4-2-1 system, with wing-backs pushing high to create overloads. However, their final ball was often lacking against a compact Bellunesi low block. The visitors defended in a 5-4-1 shape, making it difficult for Verona to find space between the lines. After the goal, Verona dropped deeper and invited pressure, a decision that nearly cost them but ultimately showed their ability to hold a lead.

For AC Dolomiti Bellunesi, this friendly was a valuable test against top-flight opposition. Their defensive organisation and work rate impressed, and they will take confidence into their own season. Verona’s head coach will likely focus on improving attacking creativity in the final third in upcoming friendlies.